Stockgrowers pose questions concerning HB1305

Since 2003, members of the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association including myself, have been researching the documentsprovided byUSDA/APHIS that deal with the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). Through this research we have developed concerns over the financial andlegal implicationsthat would be imposedonlivestock producers. Dr. Holland's statement to all Representatives of the SD House of Representatives says that HB 1305 would “end disease programs and federal funding.” Yet the bill only terminates the NAIS database and federal funds related to NAIS. Have all the South Dakota and Federaldisease programs been rolled into NAIS? Has the information in the pre-existing databases for brucellosis, tuberculosis, and other programs all been placed into the NAIS database? If not, then Dr. Holland's statement is simply wrong. If all of the programs have been rolled into NAIS, then why have the affected individuals not been told or asked permission? The industry groups that opposed HB 1305 distributed a list of talking points that contain several statements that need to be clarified. Their list claims that “many quality assurance and marketing programs require a Premises Identification Number.” Which programs require a NAIS premises identification number? To my knowledge, only one program requires a NAIS PIN. Tri-Merit, Micro-Beef, Samson LLC, IMI Global, and Ag Info Link are marketing programs that do not require a premisesidentification numberto age and source verify. The bill forbids the implementation of NAIS or any similar federal livestock tracing system specific to the NAIS, but it would not interfere with state or private programs. If the groups are referring to premises identification numbers that are not uploaded to the federal NAIS database, this bill would have no effect on those. HB 1305 explicitly provides that producers can participate in the South Dakota Certified Beef program. Moreover, nothing in this bill would prevent the Legislature from authorizing future programs if the Legislature sees a need. As for hindering disease control efforts, the bill allows the Animal Industry Board to implement disease-specific programs. It simply bars NAIS-like tracking systems. NAIS would impose tracking requirements on every person who owns livestock, without any evidence that it will aid in controlling any specific disease. How does HB 1305 disrupt interstate trade? Only two states, Wisconsin and Indiana, currently require a NAIS premises registration number. And nothing stops a producer from choosing to get a premises registration number so as to ship animals to those two states. How does HB 1305 limit management opportunities? It simply prevents the state agency from implementing a government regulatory program. Producers can choose to manage their animals and their businesses however they think best. That's what private enterprise is all about.